Freight Operations / Accessorials

Detention in trucking

Short answer: Compensation requested when a truck is held too long at pickup or delivery after free time expires.

Plain-English explanation

Detention is delay time at a shipper or receiver after the agreed free time has passed. It is usually tied to appointment times, arrival records, check-in notes, and the detention language on the rate confirmation.

For detention, the clock matters. Check the appointment time, arrival time, dock release time, free-time rule, and how the broker wants approval documented.

Why it matters in trucking

A driver sitting at a dock is not available for the next pickup. Detention rules affect whether that time can be billed, how much can be requested, and what proof the broker needs before approving the charge.

Detention is easier to recover when the driver records times while still at the facility. Trying to rebuild the timeline days later usually weakens the request.

Example in real use

If the rate confirmation allows two free hours and the driver checks in at 7:55 a.m. for an 8:00 a.m. appointment but is not loaded until 12:20 p.m., the office may request detention using the check-in and out times.

Common mistakes or confusion

Waiting until after invoicing to ask how detention must be approved.
Submitting detention without arrival time, departure time, appointment time, and written approval when the broker requires it.
Mixing detention with layover; detention is usually facility wait time, while layover usually means a longer delay such as overnight downtime.